The cost of energy is rising and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 30 percent of a home’s energy bill is spent on heating and cooling. This is why it’s important to make your home as energy efficient as possible. There are simple things you can do right now to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. If you’re looking to make your home more energy efficient, there are plenty of things you can do. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Install energy-efficient appliances and lights
One of the easiest things you can do is replace your appliances and light fixtures with more energy-efficient models. Appliances like washers and dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators are often the biggest energy drains in a home. There are many new appliances on the market that use less energy and are more cost-effective to run.If you’re in the market for new appliances, check out Energy.gov’s Appliance Certification Program to find out which appliances are most energy efficient and cost effective. For light fixtures, choose LED bulbs over standard incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs use about 80 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Check for leaks and make repairs
If you’ve had a home inspection done, you may have noticed a home energy auditor checking for leaks. Leaks are a huge source of wasted energy in a home. You can check for them yourself by purchasing a kit from a home improvement store. Once you’ve located the leaks, you can fix them. There are a variety of ways to repair leaks, including caulking, weather stripping, and duct tape.If you’re in the market for new appliances, appliances made with low- or no-leak technology are a great option. For example, many new refrigerators feature a water dispenser with a low-water feature. This helps cut down on the amount of water that leaks out of the fridge. You can also purchase water-saving appliances like faucets and shower heads.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature to suit your lifestyle. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on your energy bill each year. It’s also easy to use and can be controlled remotely from a computer or phone.If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can set your thermostat to a slightly lower temperature during the day and a slightly higher temperature at night. This will help you avoid running your air conditioner during the day and your heater at night.
Use natural light when possible
One of the easiest ways to reduce your home’s energy use is to open your blinds and curtains during the day. Natural light can help reduce your energy bill by up to 40 percent. If you’re in the mood for some light, consider installing a skylight.There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient. From installing new appliances to adjusting the temperature in your home, there are many ways to reduce your energy bill and make your home more energy efficient. With these tips, you can make your home more energy efficient and help save money on energy bills.